RCN calls for free long-term care for elderly

All older people should have free long term healthcare, the Royal College of Nursing said this week in evidence to the Royal Commission on long-term care for the elderly.

The move would mean separating nursing and accommodation costs for people living in nursing homes. Under a funding mechanism for separating the costs, health authorities would develop a view of nursing care costs.

RCN older people's nursing adviser Pauline Ford said the location of the home rather than individual needs usually determined whether or not the NHS paid for long-term healthcare.

RCN evidence to the Royal Commission on long-term care for the elderly . Sae to RCN, 20 Cavendish Square, London W1M OAB .

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